College of Veterinary Medicine - Cornell University

Advancing the health and well-being of animals and people

Refining Current Treatment for Cats with Injection Site Sarcomas

Injection site sarcomas (also known as a fibrosarcoma) are a rare tumor that can arise following injections in cats. While a specific cause is yet to be determined, there are treatments available such as the anti-cancer drug carboplatin. Drs. Kelly Hume and Cheryl Balkman of the oncology department are performing a study to determine if customized doses based on kidney function (rather than body weight) will be effective against the tumor.

ELIGIBILITY: Cats must have a measurable tumor greater than 2 cm with confirmation of tumor type from histology at the time of study enrollment. Tumor may be primary tumor or metastatic lesion.

COMPENSATION: The study pays for cost of a physical exam, blood work, specialized kidney function testing (called iohexol clearance), two carboplatin treatments, and blood work monitoring after treatment. This reflects a cost savings of $900. Owners pay for initial staging costs that may be required such as x-rays and ultrasound.

OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES: Initial visits can last anywhere from 6-8 hours but the owner is not required to remain in the hospital. A minimum of 2 additional follow-up visits are required, approximately 3 – 4 weeks apart. Weekly blood work monitoring in between these visits is required, but can be performed elsewhere. Owners will be responsible for the cost of monitoring/blood work not performed at Cornell.